Messages

1

Routes / Re: Traffic on the California section of the Pacific Coast Route

« on: February 26, 2013, 10:48:46 am »

Great information everybody. This has been a HUGE help to us. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I have no issue with traffic, but my wife does. Based on past experience though, the more she does it, the more comfortable she becomes with it. After 6 weeks of it, she'll be a pro!

Thanks again everyone!

Safe travels,
Pat

2

Routes / Traffic on the California section of the Pacific Coast Route

« on: February 17, 2013, 01:22:24 pm »

Hey all,

In June of this year, my wife and I are leaving from Portland, Or to head south along the Pacific Coast Route to San Fran. I bought the book "Bicycling the Pacific Coast Route" and it is a wealth of info. However, in reading the sections on Northern California, there are SEVERAL mentions about how busy the road is, the logging trucks, heavy traffic, big campers, etc... Is it really that bad? Can anyone shed more light on this for me? My wife is not a big fan of busy roads unless the shoulder is wide, but the book says that in a lot of places, the shoulder doesn't exist. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

3

General Discussion / Re: Step thru frames

« on: November 19, 2012, 09:13:39 am »

Yes you right. The rack is gone. A frame mounted one will replace it. As are the wheels. I told her she needs 36 spoke double wall rims. I am more concerned about the frame.

4

General Discussion / Re: Step thru frames

« on: November 18, 2012, 05:17:09 pm »

Here is her bike. I already told her to get better wheels, but I am wondering if the frame will hold up. She wants to go from Northern California south to L.A. then west to Houston. If she keeps her load light, this should work shouldn't it? I know it's not ideal, but she is a college girl and doesn't have a lot of money.

Thanks.

5

General Discussion / Step thru frames

« on: November 16, 2012, 09:37:44 pm »

Anyone ever tour on a step thru framed bike? AKA a women's bike. I have a friend who wants to do a tour and isn't sure if her bike will work or not.

6

Gear Talk / Re: Tire width - 28 too narrow for touring?

« on: May 06, 2012, 06:59:24 pm »

staehpj1.

I totally agree when it comes to the amount of stuff that is truly needed. In our gear choices, it's not that we are taking "more" stuff, it's that the stuff we are taking "weighs" more. For example, we opted for the 2" thick camp pads as opposed to the 3/4" thick pads. We went with a 3 person tent at 8 lbs instead of the 2 person at 5 lbs. There are a few other heavier choice we made as well and it is because of this, that we are fairly heavy. Good choice? Not so sure now, but I guess we will find out. :-)

7

Gear Talk / Re: Tire width - 28 too narrow for touring?

« on: May 06, 2012, 05:28:34 pm »

All very good points raised by everyone and all where appreciated. Thanks. I know my weight is a bit high, but we are planning an extended trip. (couple months if not longer) We are not young (late 40's) and we like our comfort, so we went a bit heavy on some of the camp equipment. We definitely can lighten up a bit in other areas and I am hoping to shed around 15 pounds of gear by the time we leave. I too, am hoping to shed 15 more pounds of me, which would bring my "total" weight (bike and I) to between 250-275 like pdlamb mentioned.

I do like RussSeatons idea of just running 28's and switching to 32's for touring. At first I was trying to avoid having to do that, but the more I think about it, the less reasons I can come up with for "not" doing it.

Thanks to everyone else who offered advice and/or suggestions. I really do appreciate all the input from everyone.

Thanks again,

Pat

8

Gear Talk / Tire width - 28 too narrow for touring?

« on: May 05, 2012, 10:49:22 pm »

Hello folks,

I basically have one bike that I ride for all occasions. It's a touring specific bike and I love it, but honestly 95% of the time I am not touring on it. Instead I am commuting to work, riding charity rides, club rides, work out rides etc... I currently am running 32's but would like to switch to 28's, but am wondering if they might be too skinny for touring? When fully loaded, the bike weighs around 95 lbs give or take a little.

Any info?

Thanks,
Pat

9

General Discussion / Bike weight

« on: April 16, 2012, 08:58:49 am »

Hi folks,

My wife and I are planning a long bike trip around America. We weighed our bikes and gear and hers came in at 82 pounds and mine at 95. Does this seem like a lot or is that pretty much right? I know it probably varies significantly from one person to the next but is there any info out there on what the average bike weighs loaded up for a long tour?

Thanks,